Excellent Smartwatch, but Unpleasant App Surprise…

As an exclusive Citizen customer and avid collector, I had been contemplating adding this watch to my collection for quite some time, and finally did after weighing all the reviews I could come across in this website, other vendors’ websites, and every social media platform. And, I am very glad I did. The watch is not for those who prefer cloned cellphone screens as watches, but for people who prefer practicality, functionality, style, and uniqueness over fad. It conveys everything a smartwatch should be, cleverly packed into a “dive watch” case, where even the hour and minute hands have secondary and tertiary functions. The watch is a real treat, even for the most purist horologists who might frown upon smartwatches. However, I just came across a very unpleasant surprise as I set up the watch through its different supporting apps. The watch is mainly controlled by the “Citizen Connected” app, which provides a series of advanced setting options, beyond basic settings managed through the watch itself. As I browsed through this app, I came across a series of icons unrelated to the watch’s functions that did not respond as expected and did not lead to their intended targets, however my intrigue led me to reach out to Citizen for their support. After a very diligent and amicable series of email exchanges, that even included screenshot videos, Citizen could not identify the source of the problem until I shared that I live in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to which they responded that the app is only available in the mainland USA, Mexico, Canada, and the UK. For a company from Japan (a series of islands, just like Puerto Rico), who has prided itself in producing watches that adapt and perform in any timezone (PCAT’s of which I own 2 and receive their update radio signal between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM every morning from the Fort Collins, Colorado, USA station; and Altichron’s, of which I own 1 that provides me directions and altitude anywhere in the world I am), limiting an apps full functionality to 4 countries is very disappointing. As confirmation to all this, I activated my cellphone’s VPN (Virtual Private Network) and set it for one of the supported countries, and a series of other functions sprung into the app, including the much advertised “Riiiver watchfaces” with expanded self-updating displays and functions, which automatically disappear from the app and the watch when deactivate my VPN. In summary, I can download the apps (Citizen Connected, YouQ, and Riiiver), for exactly the same watch being sold worldwide, but have limited functionality due to living in Puerto Rico: truly appalling. I truly hope this review helps any decision-making process from potential buyers in unsupported areas/countries, or moves Citizen to update the app(s) to support currently unsupported areas/countries.

4/5 good watch

I really enjoy this watch. It’s comfortable and looks good as a casual wear watch. I like the smart features as well and find it handy.

I watch for those actively on the go.

The watch is great and keeps track of the physical events I do each day.

Good buy

My favorite part about the watch is that I can customize the watch face, since I can see my heart rate, steps, and calories burned without the need to open an app. I also like that I can control my music with the side buttons, and can navigate through the apps quickly. One feature that I like is that you can track the score of your favorite sports team right from the watch face, letting you know the score without having to open an app or google it. The battery life is great too, it lasts over 2 weeks and is very convenient.

Citizen quality

If you're looking for a high quality smartwatch, this is the one. Citizen never fails to impress me. I've got several Eco Drive watches and thought I would also try their smartwatch. The functionality is exactly what I wanted and the battery life is incredible. Not a full color display, but this is how Citizen has created a watch with outstanding battery life. The hybrid concept is brilliant. Standard watch hands with electronic paper for the display. The watch case is high quality and the silicon rubber wrist strap is heavy duty and also very high quality. Integration with the app on iOS or Android is very good and I found the app to work very well with just the right amount of wellness information including, steps, calories, heart rate and oxygen level. There's also a high intensity workout mode monitor, but at 65 the only high intensity workout I'm getting these days is mowing the lawn. This is a great watch, and at the current price it's a bargain. Highly recommended.

Enjoyed the watch before it died

I bought this watch in July 2024. I was never able to get it connected to some of the apps, and it constantly disconnected from my phone. Still, it was a great watch, and I enjoyed the features. It suddenly refuses to charge. I bought a replacement charger, which I had to find locally since it is always out of stock on your site. The watch doesn't show that it is connected to the charger at all, no matter which charger I'm using. I've never had this problem with other Citizen watches.

My tenth and favorite smart watch

I have owned several smart watches. I have been partial to Fitbit for years, but after experiencing multiple overheating issues and developing a preference for style, I decided it was time to replace my Fitbit with a CZ Smart Hybrid. I LOVE the look of it, the tracking and smart features are on par with the Fitbit, and I actually prefer the fact that it doesn't have a touch screen. I have an extensive watch collection (including three more Citizens), and I only wear the CZ to bed and for exercise for the most part, but I'm extremely happy with it.

Danny

I would not buy this or any smart watch from citizens. I first purchased the CZ Smart touchscreen and it lagged behind when you would swipe to do something. You would have to wait on it to catch up. I sent it back and bought the CZ Smart hybrid. Straight out of the box is has not worked. I emailed customer service. They asked for the number on the back of the watch. I sent that 5 days ago and have not heard anything back from them.

Great watch!

Has all the modern tech I need without sacrificing the look of a traditional watch. Great built and great features. Case is made of stainless steel. Watch feels really well made. One of the best purchases I made.

Perfect for a classic watch

This watch is exactly what I was looking for with the traditional watch hands yet has the ability to monitor my walking steps and heart rate. The light is important too especially when I camp. Great watch!